Much was made of Obafemi Martins’ abrupt preseason departure to China — rightfully so, given his goal-scoring prowess. But the veterans that preceded him out the door, however, also help to explain why the Sounders have struggled to create scoring opportunities this season.
Colorado Rapids winger Marco Pappa will miss the next two to four weeks of the MLS season because of a sprained left knee, having been injured at the tail end of yet another influential performance against the Red Bulls.
And though a significant role in Colorado’s surprisingly strong start can be attributed to the Guatemalan attacker, the Rapids won’t be the only ones feeling the dull ache of Pappa’s absence when the Sounders come to town Saturday night.